The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was many things, and at his core I believe he was a pastor.

In a few lines he both gave voice to a summary of our fears and brought calm assurance of divine presence and power —

Is someone here moving toward the twilight of life and fearful of that which we call death?

Why be afraid? God is able.

Is someone here on the brink of despair because of the death of a loved one, the breaking of a marriage, or the waywardness of a child?

Why despair? God is able to give us the power to endure that which cannot be changed.

Is someone here anxious because of bad health?

Why be anxious? Come what may, God is able.  Surely God is able.